MBA Admissions Trends: Harvard Applications Decline While Other Universities See Increases

Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Harvard College Sees Decline in Applications for Second Consecutive Year

Harvard College has reported a 5% decline in undergraduate applications compared to the previous year, with a total of 54,008 students vying for a spot in next fall’s freshman class. This marks the second consecutive year of declining applications at the prestigious Ivy League institution.

In contrast, Yale University has seen a record-high number of applicants, with 57,465 students applying for admission, representing a nearly 10% increase from the previous year. Duke University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Pennsylvania have also experienced an uptick in applications.

The admissions landscape has been influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling against Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which stated that race could not be a factor in admissions. Additionally, allegations of antisemitism following the Hamas attack on Israel in October have impacted Harvard and Penn, leading to scrutiny from alumni and lawmakers.

Early admissions at Harvard have seen a significant decline of 17%, raising concerns about the school’s reputation. Despite this, Harvard has admitted 1,937 students for the class of 2028, with approximately 53% of them being women and 47% men. Students from families with an income of $85,000 or less will receive full financial support, with Harvard estimating it will spend $260 million in undergraduate aid for the upcoming academic year.

College guidance experts suggest that some Jewish and conservative students may be opting to stay away from Harvard due to recent events. Students are increasingly choosing schools that offer a more welcoming environment on campus, with some even omitting Harvard from their list of potential schools.